Nonlinear dynamic strand model with coupled tension and torsion
arXiv:physics/0702201
Abstract
We simulate the nonlinear dynamic responses in Kirchhoff rod by including the important effects due to inertia and kinematic coupling of tension and torsion. We begin by reviewing a dynamic rod model of a strand (length of cable or DNA) in the form of a 12th order partial differential equation system. Numerical solutions reveal the effects of dynamics on clamped strands due to slow movements of their ends. We note that inertia plays a critical role in this process, particularly under loading conditions that pass through an instability. For example, we simulated a dynamic trasition path between two possible equilibria of a clamped rod subject to very slow compression.
2 pages, 2 figures, Nonlinear Vibrations, July 25-28, 2004, Blacksburg, VA